Monday, November 3, 2008

Tomorrow Is Another Day

Well, it’s over — for them at least.

The 40-days vigils have come to an end. Across the nation, these vigils sprung up at our health centers, disrupting basic women’s health care. And at each of those health centers, Planned Parenthood staff came to work every day. Our clients still came in for health care. We continued to do the important work we do, regardless of the opposition.

These vigils are a symbolic event, full of hype and hyperbole. But even symbolic events can be a barrier. Nothing should stand in the way of women, men, and teens accessing safe and legal health care. And especially in the midst of a growing health care crisis, it’s appalling for people to make it harder to access affordable care. Planned Parenthood health centers are a key part of the health care safety net in this country. Who benefits when you stand in the way of that?

But today, I’m not concerned about our protesters — I’m concerned with November 4. We are on the eve of one of the most important elections in my lifetime. Tomorrow, I will vote — I urge you to do the same.

And while the 40 days have ended, today, tomorrow, and every day to follow, our work goes on.

I am appalled at the news of people throwing asphalt at your walls and spray painting your facilities. This is destructive and disrespectful, and accomplishes nothing. Anyone who resorts to this kind of protesting is obviously mistaken in their actions.

If one truly wishes to accomplish anything in protest, the best way to support their freedom of speech is to show that you truly bear ill will toward the idea, not the people, with which you disagree.

PLEASE: if there are protesters out there truly fighting for what you believe in, don't make your efforts pointless by committing violence or illegal acts toward Planned Parenthood. Your message will be lost and your credibility in your convictions will vanish.

It's over — 40 days, 1,034 protesters. Phew!

Tuesday November 3 was my last official day blogging and videotaping the anti-choice "40 Days for Life" campaign. I'm so proud to say that the 1,034 protesters I encountered allowed us to raise more than $56,000 for Planned Parenthood Federation of America and the women our health centers serve — but only if pledges are fulfilled! Please click here to fulfill your pledge today.

About Emily X

We have collected the stories of our staff and activists and presented them as the blog entries of Emily X. Some entries are verbatim words written by staff. Other entries were written by us based on stories we heard.
Emily X serves as a reminder to the pro-choice community of the harassment and intimidation practiced by opponents of women's health. Emily X was triggered by and focuses on the anti-choice "40 Days for Life" protests, targeting Planned Parenthood affiliate health centers around the country. This year, the protests are taking place September 23 through November 1, 2009.